Seedcorn maggots seen in abundant numbers in corn and soybeans

Seedcorn maggots in corn and soybeans have been seen during cool and damp seasons and organic rich soils (manured can be a source of this) or fields with reduced tillage, or decaying residue from the previous. This type of weather was observed recently in many areas of Kentucky as well as the emergent reports on the presence of seed corn maggots.

The seedcorn maggot is an immature form of a small fly (Delia platura). It feeds in decaying organic matter and seeds of many plants including many vegetables, corn or soybean seeds and seedlings. The maggot has a yellowish-white coloration (Figure 1) found burrowing into seeds or emerging seedlings (Figure 2). These maggots are leg-less, about 1/4 inch (6 mm) long, cylindrical, narrow, and tapered. Maggots lack heads and legs but have small black mouth hooks in front. Images from Figure 2 were received at the Research and Education Center dehydrated but the pupa (Figure 3) found in the samples help in the identification of the pest causing the damages. Brown pu-pal cases are oblong or football-shaped and are found in the soil near the roots.

There are no rescue treatments for control of seedcorn maggots. Replanting can be an option. However, the decision to replant should be based on plant population densities in the field, the date of occurrence and yield expectation.